Abahani hanging by a thread
Four-time professional league champions Abahani saw their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the King's Cup get bleaker as they were held to a 2-2 draw by defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu yesterday.
The Sky Blues, who suffered a shock defeat against Ugyen Academy last Tuesday to make matters difficult for themselves, came out with a more determined yesterday and took the lead on the half-hour mark when right-back Nasirul Islam, drafted into today's eleven, profited from poor marking to beat Manang goalkeeper Bishal Shreshtha. Guinean forward Ismael Bangoura, who was denied by a brilliant effort from Bishal minutes earlier, doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a powerful shot.
However, the Nepalese champions came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and reduced the margin in the 51st minute, thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Anil Gurung. Shiva Shreshtha then headed home a poor clearance by goalkeeper Ziaur Rahman in the 82nd minute to deny Abahani a much-needed win.
The Sky Blues will have to win their next match against Pune FC tomorrow and hope the other results go their way to have any chance of qualifying for the last four.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will look to ensure their semifinal berth when they take on Thai First Division Champions Nakhon Ratchasima FC in their second match today. The Dhanmondi outfit, who opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Bhutanese champions Druk United on November 15, will go through with a win while even a draw would keep them in with a great chance to qualify. Both teams have three points from a single match but Nakhon lead the table with a superior goal difference.
Sheikh Jamal coach Maruful Haque was confident his side can pull out a positive result in today's match.
“I don't think we have anything to be fearful about our opposition. Our players have, by this time, adjusted well to the weather and altitude and I expect them to put up a better show compared to the match against Druk United,” Maruful told reporters yesterday.
The Dhanmondi giants are expected to line up a 4-4-2 formation today, bringing in Monaem Khan Raju to bolster the midfield while dispensing with Shakhawat Hossain Rony, one of the three strikers used in the first match.
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